Race Report: NYRR Manhattan Half-Marathon

Last Saturday's NYRR Manhattan Half-Marathon did little to bolster my confidence about the imminent Miami Marathon.  I intended to run the race at a comfortable pace and then add 4 extra miles at the end.  It's probably true that a long run the week before a marathon probably doesn't help, but I wanted to know that I could still run long.  The last long run I did outside was last Monday when I was in Seattle visiting E and it was not an encouraging experience.

The race started and I felt that I was running at a comfortable pace which usually is in the 8:30s for the beginning miles, but when I checked my Garmin, I realized I was much closer to 9:00 per mile.  I remember thinking that it was going to be a tough race.  And it was!  Two frigid loops around the park - each time I got to Harlem Hills, I would look up and not see the end of the incline.  It was so cold that I couldn't feel my feet for the first 3 miles, and I felt like I was flapping around on chunks of ice (the chunks being my feet).  The flesh on my arms stung from the cold and it took me a very long time to warm up.  I had worn my thickest Nike windproof and water-resistant brushed tights, my Under Armour Cold Gear top, and my DWRT singlet but I think I should have added an extra layer!  Thank goodness for the handwarmers I had stuffed into my mittens, they were the only toasty thing about me for the first 5 miles.

Waving at the camera!
(photos courtesy of Luciano)

Besides the cold, I don't remember too much about the race.  I don't remember pushing myself very hard but then I really didn't feel like I was taking it easy either.  I just felt like I was putting in a moderate effort, so it was discouraging when some of my miles hit the high 9s.  It was great to see the non-running Whippets cheering and taking pictures for the duration of the race!  It was braver to stand out there and cheer than it was to run!  I finished in 1:55:59 (8:51 avg) which is my poorest half-marathon time in almost 4 years.  True, it was cold (14F at the start) but I think that my poor time was a result of poor fitness than anything else.  After my slightly depressing half-marathon performance, the last thing I wanted was to add some extra miles at the end but I felt like I needed to redeem myself somewhat.  I ended up added an extra 4 miles in the 9:30s for a total of a little over 17 miles for Saturday.  I also ended up with a bright red and frozen face but I was happy to know that I can go up to the high teens without feel too poorly.

Despite a dismal half-marathon performance, I'm committed to the full marathon on Sunday!  I don't want to go all the way to Miami just for a half and I know that I can finish the marathon.  I just have to keep reminding myself not to care about time and enjoy the race.  So - Miami, here I come!

Final stats:
1:55:59 (8:51 pace)
2048 / 4358 overall
477 / 1687 females
176 / 522 age group

Links: Garmin   Results   Race Site